Businesses urged to takes precautions over flooding

22 January, 2014

ByJohn Wood

Environmental services provider Adler and Allan is urging businesses to take proper precautions to protect their assets from the effects of flooding.

It says flooding costs small and medium size enterprises between £75,000 and £120,000 on average, and with the recent wet and stormy weather, many properties previously unaffected by water damage are at risk.

“This trend is only set to increase,” said Alan Scrafton, marketing manager for Adler and Allan. “According to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), flooding is the worst threat to Britain as a result of climate change, with flood risk properties quadrupling over the next 20 years.

“If your business has remained unscathed so far, it doesn't mean it won't incur flood damage in the future. Companies need to have proper plans in place and carryout the correct post-clean up procedure to limit damage to assets and prevent pollution. This is a legal requirement for fire and the same should be true of flooding.”

“For larger organisations flooding can cost millions, and where oil or other hazardous materials are on site the risk to the environment is considerable.”

Adler and Allan's flood damage limitation tips:

1. Check your flood risk: Keep a close eye on the Environment Agency's website which issues regular warnings for those areas at risk of flooding. You can register with the EA Floodline to receive these warnings direct.

2. Pre-plan: Make sure you have a flood plan in place. Appoint someone responsible in-house to take charge of the plan should flood water strike.

4. Protect your assets: Check insurance policies to see if you are covered for business interruption, loss of profit and water damage. If you know water's on its way, relocate anything of high value and disconnect electrical appliances and the gas supply.

5. Prevent pollution: Floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, or other hazardous materials. Make sure drains are clear and separators are maintained.

6. Clean up: Cleaning up the aftermath of a flood quickly and efficiently is essential for saving water damaged equipment and buildings, as well as minimising any risk to the environment. Adler and Allan's Emergency Response teams are on call 24/7 and can strengthen flood defences, dispose of floodwater and clean or remove damaged stock, minimising operational downtime.

Adler and Allan was the principal contractor for the Buncefield clean-up and is an approved contractor to the UK Environment Agency and the Marine and Coastguard Agency.